The Santa Clara men's basketball team will open the 2012-13 regular season on Sat., Nov. 9 with a 7 pm game vs. Simpson.

Santa Clara returns 12 letterwinners to this year's team. The Broncos are one of the more experienced teams nationally this year, returning 98% of their scoring from last year. They also return 94% of their rebounds, 98% of their assists and 95% of their minutes played. Add to that mix fifth-year senior Marc Trasolini, who sat out last season after tearing his ACL in September, 2011. Trasolini averaged 12.8 ppg, 0.9 bpg and 6.1 rpg in 26.4 mpg in 2010-11.

Kevin Foster was named to the coaches All-WCC Preseason Team in late October.

Bronco head coach Kerry Keating has liked the way his team has practiced in the early going and is looking forward to starting the season on Saturday. "The guys are anxious to put on the uniforms for real on Saturday night. The scrimmages have been competitive and the guys have all hung in there during a long spring, summer and fall. They are ready to get out there and play someone for real. We are excited about the home opener vs. Simpson."

Coach Keating liked the way the team came back against Hawaii Pacific. "We learned we can win games if we don't shoot our best if we play good defense. It has been our focus since last season when we weren't as focused defensively and we were still playing really hard. We have done a good job in the off-season. It was good for us to play against a team that shot well and show our commitment to defense."